Locum dilemma

Re: Locum dilemma

HMC — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:35:53 GMT

[quote user="An On MRCVS"] have seen fairly bad vetting and feel I'm constantly having to watch how I put things to clients so as not to completely slag off the practice, but so I can maintain my personal standards of care.[/quote]

If it's at the stage of bad vetting, I would be worried personally that if anything went wrong due to the practice's standards, it could reflect poorly on you. But I'm a worrier.

Re: Locum dilemma

Martin Atkinson — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:02:54 GMT

I've never done any locuming but I had similar problems when I first qualified. In one job I gave my notice in at the end of the first week but agreed to work a month's notice and it was nightmare I could have walked out but I have some honour even if they didn't. I've also been given the sack for refusing to conform to unethical or poor working practice. Maybe that's the answer-refuse to toe the line, do the job properly and they may come round to your way of thinking or they will sack you. You may worry then that they'll give you a poor reference but now wearing my other hat as an a employer of locums I can usually see through vindictive references from dodgy practices so it won't necessarily stack against you.

Re: Locum dilemma

plantagenet — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 22:54:27 GMT

In my previous incarnation as a locum, I would have said probably don't do the weeks if you can't stand it. As a single vet, the idea of being dropped in it for perhaps my only break of the year is horrible.

Probably you are not the ideal locum for that particular practice, your agency should be able to replace you, although at short notice it might be tough.

If its a reasonably large practice, and nobody is loosing the holiday of a life time/ honeymoon etc, I'd probably bow out gracefully.

Re: Locum dilemma

Niall Taylor — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:40:21 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Todd"]I'd be interested to hear of these policies[/quote]

Me too...

[quote user="Anthony Todd"]we had a discussion here on the "mandatory 2 injections per consult " policy[/quote]

How does that work - must have missed that thread.

Niall

Re: Locum dilemma

Gerry Henry — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:57:23 GMT

Give 2wks notice and leave before they contaminate you. I locummed solid for years before opening my own practice; some were superb and I learned a lot, others were awful. One in S Yorks was so bad I just packed and left. Years later an assistant applied for a position with me, I noticed from her CV she'd been with this shower for four years, her application went straight in the bin.

Re: Locum dilemma

Anthony Todd — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 13:44:51 GMT

[quote user="An On MRCVS"] I don't agree with a lot of their 'policies'.[/quote]

I'd be interested to hear of these policies and it may well make you feel better if the policies are aired on this forum and agreed to be disagreeable. eg we had a discussion here on the "mandatory 2 injections per consult " policy.

We've had locums who also have policies we don't agree with, and who refuse to use, certain items of equipment etc. etc. so there are two sides.

I am quite happy for our policies to be published, discussed or criticised so I don't think your employer can object too much.

Re: Locum dilemma

patrick murphy — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:31:44 GMT

my lovely summer locum is rooming with me for my 2 weeks at home and it is interesting to get her tales of working elsewhere.I would definitely get you to talk with your agency, who if they have any 'personal'care for you will help.I am however totally ashamed at the treatment meted out to our locums including their dingy digs.on one job she refused the overnight accomodation on essentially hygeine problems. we must do better than this for those who are essential for our work and play.

Re: Locum dilemma

An On MRCVS — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:31:31 GMT

I haven't got an official contract as it is a locum position for the occasional week here and there. The main thing playing on my mind is letting them down when I've agreed to do the weeks. I'm going through an agency so do you think I should speak honestly to them, or just make an excuse?

Re: Locum dilemma

Rob Davis — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:55:01 GMT

I agree - look after your sanity and find another position. If this is not the practice for you, then you are probably not the vet for them either, so it would probably be best all round if you left.

Re: Locum dilemma

Mark Hedberg — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 07:15:50 GMT

Stick with the sanity. Remember general adaptation syndrome; stress is bad for you and can affect your future work and earnings. Check your contract, what is the notice period?